Latest news with #solarSystem
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Astronomers discover strange solar system body dancing in sync with Neptune: 'Like finding a hidden rhythm in a song'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Astronomers have found that a weird space rock at the edge of the solar system is locked in a rhythmic dance with Neptune. The object, designated 2020 VN40, is part of a family of distant solar system objects called trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). 2020 VN40 is the first object discovered that orbits the sun once for every ten orbits Neptune makes. Considering that one Neptunian year lasts 164.8 Earth years, that means 2020 VN40 has one heck of a long year, lasting around 1,648 years or 19,776 months on Earth! The team behind this research thinks that 2020 VN40's ponderous orbital dance with Neptune may have come about when it was temporarily snared by the gravity of the ice giant planet. Thus, this discovery could help researchers better understand the dynamics of bodies at the edge of the solar system. "This is a big step in understanding the outer solar system," team leader Rosemary Pike from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian said in a statement. "It shows that even very distant regions influenced by Neptune can contain objects, and it gives us new clues about how the solar system evolved." The orbital rhythm of 2020 VN40 was discovered in data from the Large inclination Distant Objects (LiDO) survey. LiDO uses the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope with backup from the Gemini Observatory and the Walter Baade Telescope to search the outer solar system for weird objects. In particular, LiDO specializes in hunting TNOs with orbits that take them far above and below the orbital plane of Earth around the sun. These are regions of the solar system that have thus far only been sparsely explored by astronomers. "It has been fascinating to learn how many small bodies in the solar system exist on these very large, very tilted orbits," LiDO team member and University of Regina researcher Samantha Lawler said. The highly tilted path of 2020 VN40 finds it at an average distance from the sun equivalent to 140 times the distance between Earth and our star. However, the most interesting element of the orbit of 2020 VN40 is its resonance with the orbit of Neptune. Other bodies rhythmically aligned with Neptune make their closest approaches to the sun, their perihelion, when Neptune is at its greatest distance from our star, or its aphelion. Defying this trend, 2020 VN40 is at perihelion when Neptune is also close to the sun. That's if one were looking at it from above the solar system, with the tilt of 2020 VN40 meaning that this TNO and Neptune are not actually close together; the TNO is actually far below the solar system. This also separates 2020 VN40 from other resonant TNOs, which tend to stay within the plane of the solar system when they make close approaches to the sun. "This new motion is like finding a hidden rhythm in a song we thought we knew," team member and University of California Santa Cruz scientist Ruth Murray-Clay said. "It could change how we think about the way distant objects move." Related Stories: — Astronomers discover a cosmic 'fossil' at the edge of our solar system. Is this bad news for 'Planet 9'? — Icy asteroids help the James Webb Space Telescope uncover Neptune's history —Messenger comets might be why Earth has life, asteroid Ryugu samples suggest Revealing the orbital strangeness of 2020 VN40 suggests that solar system objects with highly tilted orbits can adopt novel and unexpected types of movement. The hunt is now on for more bodies like 2020 VN40, with the newly operating Vera C. Rubin Observatory set to play a key role in this investigation. "This is just the beginning," team member and Planetary Science Institute researcher Kathryn Volk said. "We're opening a new window into the solar system's past." The 2020 VN40 results were published on July 7 in The Planetary Science Journal. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Astronomers discover a cosmic 'fossil' at the edge of our solar system. Is this bad news for 'Planet 9'?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Astronomers have discovered a massive new solar system body located beyond the orbit of Pluto. The weird elongated orbit of the object suggests that if "Planet Nine" exists, it is much further from the sun than thought, or it has been ejected from our planetary system altogether. The strange orbit of the object, designated 2023 KQ14 and nicknamed "Ammonite," classifies it as a "sednoid." Sednoids are bodies beyond the orbit of the ice giant Neptune, known as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), characterized by a highly eccentric (non-circular) orbit and a distant closest approach to the sun or "perihelion." The closest distance that 2023 KQ14 ever comes to our star is equivalent to 71 times the distance between Earth and the sun. The sednoid is estimated to be between 136 and 236 miles (220 and 380 kilometers) wide. That makes it 45 times wider than the height of Mount Everest. This is just the fourth known sednoid, and its orbit is currently different from that of its siblings, though it seems to have been stable for 4.5 billion years. However, the team behind the discovery, made using Subaru Telescope as part of the Formation of the Outer Solar System: An Icy Legacy (FOSSIL) survey, thinks that all four sednoids were on similar orbits around 4.2 billion years ago. That implies something dramatic happened out at the edge of the solar system around 400 million years after its birth. Not only does the fact that 2023 KQ14 now follows a unique orbit suggest that the outer solar system is more complex and varied than previously thought, but it also places limits on a hypothetical "Planet Nine" theorized to lurk at the edge of the solar system. "The fact that 2023 KQ14's current orbit does not align with those of the other three sednoids lowers the likelihood of the Planet Nine hypothesis," team leader Yukun Huang of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan said in a statement. "It is possible that a planet once existed in the solar system but was later ejected, causing the unusual orbits we see today." Hello 2023 KQ14. Goodbye Planet Nine? 2023 KQ14 was first spotted in the wide field of view of the Subaru Telescope, located on Hawaii's Mauna Kea volcano, in observations collected during March, May, and August 2023. The sednoid was confirmed using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope during follow-up observations performed in July 2024. This data was combined with archival data from other observatories, allowing astronomers to reconstruct the orbit of 2023 KQ14 over the past 19 years. But this is a celestial body that likely formed as the planets of the solar system were taking shape around the infant sun around 4.6 billion years ago. Thus, astronomers were keen to retell the story of its orbit for much longer than two decades. To do this, Huang and their FOSSIL team colleagues turned to the computer cluster operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan to perform complex numerical simulations. This revealed the orbital stability of 2023 KQ14 for 4.5 billion years and the implications of that steady orbit. "2023 KQ14 was found in a region far away where Neptune's gravity has little influence," team member and planetary scientist Fumi Yoshida said. "The presence of objects with elongated orbits and large perihelion distances in this area implies that something extraordinary occurred during the ancient era when 2023 KQ14 formed. "Understanding the orbital evolution and physical properties of these unique, distant objects is crucial for comprehending the full history of the solar system." Related Stories: — New kind of pulsar may explain how mysterious 'black widow' systems evolve — Hear 'black widow' pulsar's song as it destroys companion —Astronomers discover origins of mysterious double hot Jupiter exoplanets: 'It is a dance of sorts' Yoshida added that, at present, the Subaru Telescope is one of the only telescopes on Earth capable of making a discovery like that of 2023 KQ14."I would be happy if the FOSSIL team could make many more discoveries like this one and help draw a complete picture of the history of the solar system," Yoshida concluded. The team's research was published on Monday (July 14), in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Uranus Leaks More Heat Than We Thought
When Voyager 2 flew past Uranus in 1986, the spacecraft detected a surprisingly low level of internal heat from the planet. Since then, scientists believed Uranus to be the odd one out in our solar system's family of giant planets—the others being Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune—who all tend to emit more heat than they absorb from sunlight. Now, a new study suggests that scientists may have had the wrong idea about Voyager 2's data: Uranus does have an internal heat source similar to its planetary siblings. For the study, published Monday in Geophysical Research Letters, researchers analyzed decades of archival data available on the ice giant, finding that Uranus emits 12.5% more internal heat than it absorbs from the Sun. That's still considerably less heat than the other three giant planets, which emit more than 100% of the solar energy they receive. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates that Uranus doesn't stray too far from scientists' general understanding of how giant planets form and evolve. Something Strange Happened During Voyager 2's Flyby of Uranus in 1986 To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed data on Uranus's global energy balance across one full orbit of the Sun, which takes 84 years. The team took this observational data and combined it with computational models, finding big seasonal swings driven by the planet's wild changes in sunlight exposure. The new findings are consistent with an earlier paper about Uranus's energy balance, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society in May. That said, neither study offers a clear answer as to why Uranus's internal heat is much lower than the other gas and ice giants. Uranus may have had a 'different interior structure or evolutionary history compared to the other giant planets,' the researchers noted in a statement. The study also found that Uranus's energy levels change according to its 20-year-long seasons. These fluctuations, along with the planet's heat budget, 'provide observational constraints that can be used to develop theories of planetary formation for giant planets,' the study states. A Long-Held Assumption About Uranus Just Got Upended Thus, the paper both answers and raises questions about Uranus, which the researchers cite as a good reason for future NASA missions to investigate the icy planet further. 'By uncovering how Uranus stores and loses heat, we gain valuable insights into the fundamental processes that shape planetary atmospheres, weather systems, and climate systems,' said Liming Li, study co-author and physicist at the University of Houston, in the release. 'These findings help broaden our perspective on Earth's atmospheric system and the challenges of climate change.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Meet ‘Ammonite' — A New World Just Found In The Solar System
Artist rendering of a ninth planet in the solar system beyond Pluto. (Illustration by Tobias ... More Roetsch/Future Publishing via Getty Images) An object has been discovered orbiting the sun far beyond Pluto, calling into question theories about a possible Planet Nine in the solar system. The object, for now, designated 2023 KQ14 and nicknamed "Ammonite," was found by astronomers in Japan using its Subaru Telescope in Hawaii. Announced in a paper published today in Nature Astronomy, the object is not a planet but a sednoid. It's only the fourth sednoid ever discovered. Ammonite 2023 KQ14: What is A Sednoid? A sednoid is an object beyond the orbit of Neptune that has a highly eccentric orbit, similar to that of the dwarf planet Sedna, one of the most distant objects in the solar system known to astronomers. Astronomers use the distance between the Earth and the sun — one astronomical unit or au — to measure distance in the solar system. Sedna gets as close to the sun as about 76 au but as far away as 900 au on its elliptical orbit. 2023 KQ14 gets as close as 66 au from the sun and as far away as 252 au. The orbit of 2023 KQ14 (in red) compared to the orbits of the other three sednoids (in white). 2023 ... More KQ14was discovered near its perihelion at a distance of 71 astronomical units (71 times the average distance between the Sun and Earth). The yellow point indicates its current position. 2023 KQ14 And The 'Planet Nine' Hypothesis There has been a lot of attention among astronomers on Planet Nine in recent months. In May, scientists in Taiwan looking for a ninth planet in the solar system found hints in archive images. In June, a study by Rice University and the Planetary Science Institute put a number on the chances that a ninth planet exists — 40%. The reason a ninth planet may exist is an unusual clustering of minor bodies in the Kuiper Belt — the outer solar system. Six objects — Sedna, 2012 VP113, 2004 VN112, 2010 GB174, 2013 RF98 and 2007 TG422 — all have highly elongated yet similarly oriented orbits. They appear to have been "herded" by the gravitational influence of a planet. At a distance of over 8 billion miles (13 billion kilometres), Sedna is so far away it is reduced to ... More one picture element (pixel) in this image taken in high-resolution mode with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys. Why 2023 KQ14 Might 'Kill' Planet Nine The discovery of 2023 KQ14 may dent that theory because it follows an orbit different from the other sednoids. 'The fact that 2023 KQ14's current orbit does not align with those of the other three sednoids lowers the likelihood of the Planet Nine hypothesis," said Dr. Yukun Huang of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, who conducted simulations of the orbit in a press release. "It is possible that a planet once existed in the Solar System but was later ejected, causing the unusual orbits we see today.' If a "Planet Nine" does exist, it likely orbits even farther from the sun than supposed. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
Sustainability Times
06-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They're Hiding in the Sun's Glare': Astronomers Detect Giant Asteroids Near Venus That Could Someday Strike Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 Recent studies reveal that a hidden population of co-orbital asteroids near Venus might eventually shift closer to Earth. near Venus might eventually shift closer to Earth. 🔭 These asteroids, residing in gravitationally stable Lagrange points , exhibit unpredictable orbits over millennia. , exhibit unpredictable orbits over millennia. 🚀 The upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory and NASA's NEO Surveyor are expected to enhance detection capabilities. and NASA's are expected to enhance detection capabilities. 🌍 Understanding and monitoring these asteroids is crucial for assessing any potential long-term risks to our planet. In the vast expanse of our solar system, hidden populations of celestial bodies often go unnoticed. Among these are a group of asteroids known as co-orbitals, which share their path with Venus around the Sun. While their existence has been acknowledged for years, recent studies suggest that some of these asteroids might eventually take a course leading them closer to Earth. Although there is no immediate threat, this revelation emphasizes the importance of keeping a vigilant eye on these elusive objects. Unpredictable Orbits The co-orbital asteroids of Venus reside in gravitationally stable regions known as Lagrange points. According to simulations, these asteroids can develop unstable trajectories over periods exceeding 12,000 years, potentially adopting elongated orbits that increase their likelihood of intersecting with Earth's orbit. Among the 20 identified co-orbitals, three have been projected to approach our planet. These projections, shared in the journal Icarus, pertain to asteroids measuring between 984 and 1,312 feet in diameter. While their size categorizes them as potentially hazardous, none pose a threat for several millennia. The gravitational disturbances these asteroids experience lead to chaotic paths over the long term. A secondary study, currently under review, reinforces this instability even for orbits that initially appear to be less eccentric. This unpredictable nature makes understanding their movements critical for assessing any future risk they might pose to Earth. 'NASA Unveils Cosmic Spectacle': Stunning New Images and Sounds of Andromeda Galaxy Leave Astronomers in Absolute Awe Complex Detection Challenges Detecting these asteroids is a challenging endeavor due to their proximity to the Sun. Terrestrial telescopes can only observe them briefly during twilight hours, with solar brightness and atmospheric distortion significantly hindering detection efforts. However, future advancements in technology promise to revolutionize this search. The upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile is poised to transform asteroid detection. With its extensive field of view and enhanced sensitivity, it could uncover thousands of new asteroids, including those concealed near Venus. Complementing these efforts, a space-based infrared telescope like NASA's NEO Surveyor would bypass atmospheric interference, providing a clearer picture. These tools are expected to offer a more accurate assessment of any potential risks. Currently, scientists reiterate that there is no immediate threat from these celestial wanderers. 'We Finally Found It': Scientists Reveal the Missing Half of the Universe's Matter Was Hiding in Plain Sight All Along Future Implications and Preparedness The potential for these co-orbital asteroids to alter their paths and come closer to Earth raises important questions about planetary defense and preparedness. While the immediate danger is non-existent, understanding their movements could be crucial in the distant future. The unpredictable nature of their orbits suggests that continued monitoring and research are necessary. By expanding our observational capabilities and refining our understanding of these celestial objects, we can better prepare for any eventualities. The studies underscore the need for international collaboration in tracking and analyzing these asteroids. As we advance our technological capabilities, the hope is to mitigate any long-term risks they might pose to our planet. 'Trees Are Poisoning the Air': Shocking New Study Reveals Natural Plant Defenses May Be Making Pollution Worse Enhancing Our Observational Arsenal To effectively monitor these elusive asteroids, the astronomical community is turning to innovative technologies and methods. The combination of ground-based observatories like the Vera Rubin Observatory and space-based instruments such as the NEO Surveyor is expected to significantly enhance our ability to detect and track these asteroids. These advancements will not only improve our understanding of the asteroids' trajectories but also help refine models predicting their future paths. With a more comprehensive observational arsenal, scientists aim to provide earlier warnings of any potential threats and formulate strategies to address them. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the safety of our planet in the centuries to come. As we continue to explore the mysteries of our solar system, the presence of these hidden asteroids reminds us of the dynamic nature of the cosmos. While current observations assure us of no imminent threat, the question remains: how can we further enhance our capabilities to safeguard Earth from the unknowns of space? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (29)
